JULY 29, 2021
An Arkansas State Trooper on patrol along Interstate 40 near Conway was fired on by a gunman during an attempted traffic stop and foot pursuit involving a motorist exceeding the speed limit today. The incident is the second this week involving Arkansas troopers who’ve been fired-on by speeding drivers. Neither of the troopers were injured.
Trooper Tyler Langley initiated a traffic stop in Faulkner County along I-40 (westbound) at 1:43 this afternoon as a speeding violator neared Conway. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and began to accelerate and flee the area by exiting the interstate, westbound, along Dave Ward Drive.
During a short vehicle pursuit that ended near the Donaghey Avenue and South Mitchell Street area where the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, there was an exchange of gunfire when the suspect fired a rifle at Trooper Langley who returned fire.
The suspect was quickly apprehended by state troopers and transported to a local hospital to be examined, however he was not wounded.
The suspect is being held at the Faulkner County Detention Center for questioning by Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division. The identity of the suspect will be released once he is formally charged.
On Tuesday (July 27th), about 10:30 AM, Arkansas State Police Corporal Steve Roberts initiated a traffic stop along Interstate 40 (eastbound), west of Forrest City.
The driver of the speeding vehicle, Stevie Maxwell, 37, of Greenville, Mississippi refused to comply and stop the vehicle. As Corporal Roberts pursued the suspect, Maxwell allegedly fired a gun from inside the car.
Maxwell later exited the interstate onto the median east of Forrest City and surrendered to Corporal Roberts. Maxwell is charged with aggravated assault, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and speeding.